Vehicle body



F b.26,1935; R'. ARR Re. 19,426

VEHICLE BODY Original Filed Feb. 27, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. L. CARRVEHICLE BODY Feb; 26, 1935.

Original Filed Feb. 27 192 4 heets-Sheet 2 v Feb. 26, 1935. R. L. CARR19,476

' VEHICLE BODY Original Filed Feb. 2'7. 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ReissuedFeb. 26, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Original No. 1,826,922, datedOctober '13, 1931,

Serial No. 91,209, February 27, 1926. Application for reissue October 9,1933, Serial No.

80 Claims.

The object of this invention is to provide a new type of vehicle bodycombining the advantages commonly associated with an open body withthose which are characteristic of a closed body, and also includingvarious structural improvements which, although peculiarly adaptable tothis type of body, may also be used advantageously in various other bodytypes. While my invention is more particularly designed for landvehicles, especially motor cars, certain features thereof may be foundapplicable to aircraft and boats.

If we compare the conventional phaeton, for example, with thecorresponding type of closed car, the former is found to present theadvantage of lighter weight and less rigidity in both body and topstructure. Indeed the light top of the open car is often foldable, whilesuch a feature is rare in inclosed bodies. The centre of gravity of thephaeton is generally lower, thus enabling the car to hold the roadsomewhat better than an inclosed vehicle. Furthermore the phaetonusually has a continuous, uninterrupted opening along the entire side ofthe body thereby affording the maximum opportunity for clear vision,while the absence of posts or uprights, other than the narrow windshieldstandards, tends to give the car a long, racy appearance which isunattainable in the conventional .closed models. However, in the opencar removable side curtains are inconvenient to apply and unsatisfactoryin use, while, on the other hand, a closed body affords a snugweather-tight shelter for inclement weather as well as an easilyvariable degree of ventilation for more moderate conditions.

It is the purpose of my invention to combine these and various otheradvantages in one vehicle body. To this end I have provided a strucmmwhich may resemble a conventional phaeton in appearance and which may beprovided with any common type of top. Suitably concealed about this bodyare closure panels which can the side of the body, except for thewindshield standards or uprights, and to form the latter so that theywill permit an unusually high degree of visibility. While movable postsmay be employed or the transparent panels may have marginal frame alongtheir vertical edges, such members are omitted in the preferred form ofmy invention, so that the panels may form a continuous transparent wallalong the side of the body. To permit such an arrangement means areprovided whereby panels may be concealed in swinging doors and yetneither be limited in location or dimensions by the location ordimensions of the door openings, nor at any time interfere with the freeswinging of the doors. Instead of heavy and comparatively rigidsupporting frames with the accompanying rigid understructure, spacedresilient means are used to reinforce and hold the panels in operativeposition, thus insuring a weather-tight enclosure, but permitting alight and relatively flexible body wherein considerable weaving ortwisting is not objectionable.

Numerous other advantages and novel features attributable to theinvention will readily appear to those skilled in the art upon a readingof the subjoined description and claims in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a motor car in which my invention isincorporated;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the front door and adjacent parts of thevehicle, with the outer body wall removed; 30

Figure 3 is a sectional detail showing a portion of a door and thecorresponding closure panel;

Figure 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a section on line 5--5 of Fig. 2;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the 35 relation of thewindshield standard to the eyes of the driver; l

Figure 7 is a section on the line 77 of Figure 2; I

Figure 8 is a sectional detail showing the connection between a closurepanel and its lifting mechanism I Figure 9 is a perspective view of therear door and associated parts with the former shown as swung partiallyopen; 45

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the structure shown in Figure 9 withadjoining parts shown;

Fig. 11 is a sectional detail of the upper corner of a closure panel; I

Figs. 12 and 13 are sectional details of portions of the doors andclosure panels, taken respectively near the rear and front ends of thesemembers;

Figure 14 is a side elevation of the rear portion of the vehicle body;

Figure 15 is a similar view of an optional arrangement;

Figure 16 is an elevational view of a portion of the inside of the topwith the lining removed;

Figure 17 is a sectional view of a fragment of the rear upper portion ofa panel and its holding means;

Figures 18 and 19 are views similar to Figure 14 of other forms of theinvention.

Figure 20 is a sectional view similar to Figure 17 but located at thefront end of the panel;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a vehicle in which my invention isincorporated, the vehicle top being folded;

Figure 22 is a side elevation of a modified form of the invention;

Figure 23 is a view of a portion of a door and associated parts, withthe wall of the former broken away, showing a modified form of myinvention;

Figures 24, 25, and 26 are sectional details of the edges of closurepanels; and

Fig. 27 is a sectional detail of the top of the rear panel and itsholding means.

Fig. 28 is a detail sectional view of the upper corner of one of theclosure panels showing the under portion of the molding upon the top ofthe panel; and

Fig. 29 is a detail bottom view of one end of a closure panel.

Figure 1, which represents the incorporation of my invention in a bodyof the open phaeton type, should be considered as only illustrative andnot as limiting the scope of the invention, since the principles thereofmaybe applied to different body types in a wide variety of ways. Asshown in Figure 1, the body B closely resembles a conventional phaetonin appearance, having tilted windshield standards S, two doors D1 and D2along its side,

and a top T with gypsy or rear quarter curtains G.

The top T may be foldable or permanent, preferably the former. While Ihave shown three closure panels 1, 2 and 3, it will be evident from thesubsequent description that the number and arrangement of the panels maybe varied to suit the individual designer.

The panels 1 and 2, carried respectively by the front and rear doors D1and D2, are similar in form and mounting, so that a description of thepanel 1 will also sufiice in most respects for the panel 2. The body ofthe panel 1 preferably comprises a good quality of plate glass, althoughsocalled safety glass, sheet glass, celluloid, or similar materials maybe used. The front and rear edges of the panel are preferably leftunbound, while its upper margin is reinforced by a light metal molding 5having a rounded or convexly curved outer wall and carrying a thincushioning strip 6 cemented between it and glass 1, as illustrated inFigures 17 and 20. The section of the metal in the molding 5 is soproportioned that it will limit but not entirely prevent the naturalflexing of the glass under strain. The panel 1 is supported in thechanneled holder 7, which is also formed of thin resilient metal, asuitable filling medium" 8 such as, rubber, being secured between thepanel and the'panel holder. The transparent plate 1 preferably has aslight horizontal curvature substantially corresponding to that of theouter surface of door D1. Not only does such an expedient enable theclosure panels to form. a smooth continuous wall which conforms closelyto the shape of the body, but this inherent curvature tends to stiffenthe panels along their vertical extent and in combination with the horon l reinforcing members 5 and 7 enables the panels to be considerablystronger and stiffer than flat plates, although at the same timeretaining a degree of the resiliency which is characteristic of thelatter.

While the upper portion of the front'edge of panel 1 is inclinedsubstantially at the same angle as that of the windshield standard, thelower portion thereof and the rear edge of the panel run in verticallyextending guideways 10 and 11 respectively. The guideways are channeledto fit the edges of the panel in the conventional manner and are securedto the front and rear walls of the door, terminating just below the topthereof. In order to permit sliding in the members 10 and 11, the panelholder '7 has its ends reduced in thickness to conform with thecorresponding portions of the panel 1, as shown more particularly inFigure 24. The extremities of the'lower edge of the panel are taperedupwardly slightly so that its ends are approximately alined with the topof the holder '7, the filler 8 being correspondingly increased in depthat these points with the shallow grooves 14 receiving portions of thepanel keyed therein (Figure 24). I

The bottom of the panel holding channel '7 is secured by suitablefastening means 15 upon the horizontal wall of the right-angled bracket16 (Figure 8) while the depending wall of this brack et is secured, asby a detachable fastening 17, to a vertical extension of the upper leaf18 of the hinge 19. A similar extension of the lower leaf 20 ispivotally supported by the stud 21 which projects laterally from theblock 22, the latter forming a link of the chain 23 in the windowlifting mechanism 25. The arrangement of this window lifting mechanismwith its upper and lower sprockets 26 and 27 is conventional, exceptthat the opening 28 in the member 20, which engages the stud 21, issomewhat restricted in its longitudinal extent. During movement of block22 over sprocket 26, a longitudinal as well as vertical movement istherefore imparted to the panel 1 by the operation'o-f the liftingmechanism 25. The above-described parts are proportioned and located sothat when the stud 21 is thus moved to approximately its upmost positionabove the centre of the sprocket 26, the panel 1 will be located withits lower edge substantially on a level with the top of the door D1,with the holder '7 visible thereabove and with the rear portion of thepanel slightly overhanging the end of the door. To permit thislongitudinal movement of the panel at the top of its vertical path, thebight portion of the channeled guide 11 is cut away at its upper end anda corresponding opening is formed in the rear wallof the door D1, theformer being indicated at 29 in Figure 2. I

'Since the pivot stud 21 is located nearer to the rear than the frontedge of the panel, the latter portion thereof would tend to swingdownwardly when the endwise support of the guides 10 and 11 was renderedineffective due to the panel's longitudinal movement. To counteract sucha tendency, I have provided the metal guiding strip 30 which is securedat its ends to the top wall of the door by welding or other suitablemeans and which is designed to be engaged by the follower 31 projectinglaterally from. the rear portion of the bracket 16 (Figures 2 and 3).The strip 30 has a section adjacent its front end which extends downwardand merges into an upwardly and rearwardly curved portion 33, shapedapproximately to parallel the path of the stud 21 during its rearwardmovement; this porlap that of the rear panel.

with the shaping of the panel edges.

tion "33 in turn terminates in a sharply downcurved hump 34 adjoiningthe rear end of the strip. The various parts are arranged so that thefollower 31 will engage the curved portion 33 at the upper end of theits vertical path. During the rearward movement of panel 1, the weightof its front end will hold the follower 31 against this curved portion;the members 21 and 31 following substantially parallel paths, and thusholding the lower margin of the panel in an approximately horizontalposition. Finally, if other means have not intervened, the hump 34serves .as a positive stop for the follower 31 and the entire mechanismso that the stud 21 is prevented from going substantially beyond itsupmost position.

The panel 2 is mounted in the same general manner on door D2 as thepanel 1 on door D1 with the exception that the front edge of the formeris vertical for its entire length, instead of being inclined to clearthe windshield, and that the rear window lifting mechanism is arrangedsothat the panel 2 is slid forward at the end of its upward movement.While it is of course feasible to have a middle body panel between thedoors D1 and D2, with a corresponding closure panel or panels supportedthereby, I prefer to omit such an arrangement and have the panels 1 and2 moved directly into overlapping relation, thereby obtaining a simplerand neater appearing assembly. For this purpose the adjoining verticalmargins of the panels 1 and 2 are each formed with a bevel 36 which hastwo surfaces at a slight angle to each other, as may be seen in Figure25, the front level being arranged to over- The provision of such angledsurfaces rather than straight beveled edges, as suggested in themodified arrangement of Figure 26, has the advantage of better weatherprotection. While the panels may be provided with square-endedoverlapping margins, such an expedient will make the closure wall brokenin appearance. The beveled surfaces 36 are preferably not brought intoabutting relation, but normally have a small clearance space 37therebetween. For this purpose the rubber fillers 40 in the ends of themoldings are slightly extended to form bumpers 38 for the upper marginsof the panels 1 and 2, while the fillers 8 in the lower strips 7 aresimiliarly extended at 39; these members having their ends beveled tocorrespond It is to be understood that the extension 39 of the lowerfiller is so slight in each case that it does not appreciably hinder thesliding of the panel holders 7 in the channeled guides and 11. If eitherpanel is fully raised, it will act as a stop for the other panel at theend of the latterspath, other-- wise the last named member will continuealong the substantially horizontal portion of its journey until arrestedby the hump 34, Since there is no exactly defined limit to the movementof the panels, inaccuracies in workmanship and normal body strains arerendered unobjectionable.

In order that the longitudinal paths of the panels 1 and 2 may berelatively short, I have interposed between the doors D1 and 132s doorpost of extremely narrowdesign. Such a member is shown in Figures 2 and7, from which it is apparent that the sheet metal post 44 is restrictedin width and has a modified U-shape in cross-section, being providedwith a recessed portion 45 for engagement with the latch of the door D1and fastenings 46 for thehinges 49 of the door :D2. The post 44 does;not extend to the full height of the. doors, a clearance space 4'7being left for the adjoining corners of the closure panels. A verticalextending recess 48 in the post is designed to accommodate the extension50 of the outer surface of the door D2 when the latter is swung open.This extension 50 of the outer surface and the extension 51 of the toprail of the door D2 meet the similar extensions 53 and 54 respectivelyof the door D1 with only a narrow clearance line 55 therebetweenp Thepost 44 is therefore practically concealed behind these extensions ofthe adjoining top and side walls of the two doors.

As a further expedient for reducing the longitudinal extent of the pathsof panels 1 and 2, I have made special provision for the compactinstallation of the latch handle shaft at the rear of door D1.

For this purpose a suitable recess is provided in the guideway 11 with aU-shaped piece of thin metal 60 located therein and having a thinsection of the material of the guide-way disposed between its bightportion and the adjoining edge of the panel 1. With only a. slightclearance at either side the latch handle shaft 63 is inserted betweenmember so and the end of the door as shown in Figures 2 and 7.

Since the panels 1 and 2 are separated from each other when in apartially raised position,

pounding or rattling therebetween is avoided.

However when they are fully raised, it is desirable to have positiveholding means for their upper margins, not only to prevent them frompounding against each other, but to hold them in relation to the top andto each other so that a weathentight structure is assured. Such holdingmeans should be designed to permit the free swfnging of the doors. Tothis end I prefer to provide for each panel a supporting hinge 19, whichcooperates with holding means '70 adjacent the outer wall T1 of the topT.

As may be seen by reference to Figures 2 and 8, the hinge 19 has itspivot line or axis ;op preferably off-set outwardly from the plane ofthe closure panel and also inclined upwardly towards the front. Thehinge 19 is designed to prevent the panel from swinging outwardly muchbeyond an upright position, while the upper and lower leaves 18 and arenormally located at such an angle with each other that they limit inwardswinging of the panel. The follower 31 has a curved surface inengagement with the strip to permit such a movement as may be seen inFigure 3.

Each pivot line p--p is situated so that when either panel swingsinwardly with relation to its respective: door, the lower rear cornerthereof moved downwardly. and inwardly from its original location whilethe lower front. corner thereof is moved downwardly and outwardly fromthe position which. it first occupied, the outward movement of thiscorner being less than the inward movement of the first-named corner.The upper edge of the panel is of course swung downwardly and inwardly,its rear portion having a longer inward path with a relatively smallerdownward component than its front end. In Figures 9 and 10, the panel?is shown as swung in the above-described relation to the door D2, itbeing understood that the panel 1 is arranged similarly in respect tothe door D1.

The relation of the lower edge of the panel to the top of the door isshown in Figures 3, 12 and 13, wherein the dotted lines indicatetheinclined position of the panel holder 7 and a fragment of the panelitself. Between the inner and outer sections 83 and 84 of the top railof each door, the comparatively wide clearance space 82 provides roomfor the swinging of members 7 and 16, while it accommodates the member 5when the panel is fully lowered. The

lack of alinement between the higher surface of section 84 and the lowersurface of section 83 is thus rendered unobjectionable in appearance bythe rounded wall of the member 5 interposed therebetween (Figure 4).

As may be seen from. Figure 12, the rear portion of the holder 7 has itsouter side extending somewhat below the level of the outer door railsection 84, while its bottom has a beveled surface 81 sloping downwardlytoward its inner side to provide weather protection. When the panel isswung inwardly the surface 81 is swung out over the inner rail section83. As may be seen from an inspection of Figure 3, the mid-portion ofthe holder 7 has a square-cornered edge, the depending wall of thebracket 16 helping to form a weather-tight joint at this location. Thefront portion of the holder 7 (Figure 13) has a beveled bottom edge 81-similar to that of the rear portion. A groove 87 in the inner part ofthe section 84 of door D2 accommodates the front end of the holder 7upon the swinging of the panel 2, such an expedient being unnecessary indoor D1, due to differences in design that will presently be explained.

The holding means for the upper marginof each panel consists of anirregularly shaped channel member, preferably with differing degrees ofresiliency in various portions of its walls. Such a member may be ofthin metal covered with fabric or rubber cushioning material, butpreferably it consists of a channeled rubberblock reenforced by an outermetal channel member in the manner shown in'Figures 17 and 20. The metalchannel 80 may preferably comprise one continuous member holding therubber channels for both of the panels and it preferably forms a portionof the top framing such as one of the main longitudinal members of theout-rigger portion of the top. If the top is foldable, obviously thechannel 80 may be provided with a suitable hinge 96, and there may be abreak in the rubber member at the pivot. However, in the succeedingdescription I shall refer to the rubber channel as if it were a unit foreach panel, although it may obviously be broken at various points or thetwo adjoining rubber channels may constitute one continuous unitarymember.

The upper part of the block 75 is firmly held between the depending legsof the metal channel, and itself has depending walls 76 and 77 ofvarying configuration to form an irregularly shaped channel 70. As maybe seen from Figure 17 the outer wall 76 of the rubber channel 70 israther stiff toward its rear end, its lower margin having a slight flareoutwardly at 78 which merges into the curved lower wall of the gutter79. Toward the front of the channel, wall 7 6 is somewhat stiffer withthe gutter 79 continued therealong. At its rear end the inner wall 77has an inwardly flared lower portion 77a, which extends downwardsomewhat below the remainder cf the channel. This portion of wall 77tapers towards its forward end into a light flexible rubberridge,as maybe seeninFigure 20. The groove 93 of channel 70 has a longitudinalcurvature corresponding to that of the closure panel, while the molding5 will fit therein rather firmly with the rubber walls flexed slightlyoutward. Obviously the entire assembly is curved to conform to the shapeof the outer wall of the top, and ordinarily may be located between theouter top covering and the lining. If portions of the rubber channel arebroken to permit folding of the top or the like, the adjoining ends ofthe rubber gutter sections preferably are adapted to be slightlycompressed when in their alined position in order to form a continuoustrough.

By the time that the lower edge of either panel is raised out of theguideways 10 and 11, the molding 5 will be engaged by the flared portion77a of the wall 77, the curved shape of this section cooperating withthe corresponding portion 78 of the outer wall 76 to guide the moldinginto the groove 93. The molding 5, which is quite firmly held at itsrear end between the walls 76 and 77, serves to stiffen the front of thepanel which it but lightly supported on its inner side by the adjoiningflexible wall. When the vehicle door is swung open, the hinge 19 comesinto play and the panel is swung in the manner that has been described.The rear part of the molding 5 moves downward and slightly outward dueto the curvature of the wall 76, while the other end of the moldingswings inward past the flexible portion of the wall 77., As a result ofthe location of the axis p p, the molding 5 is swung so that it is inintermediate position between being parallel to the top of the partiallyopened door or parallel to the groove 93. Since its front end has ashorter inward movement with a greater downward component than would bethe case were the axis p-p horizontal, the wall 77 can be made stifferfor a greater part of its length than would otherwise be possible. Theoff-set position of hinge 19 also permits the path of member 5 to have agreater downward component, as a result of the opening of the vehicledoor, such an effect being augmented at the ends of the panel due to itscurvature. It is evident that the round form of the member 5 enables itto turn and slide readily in the groove 93 with the minimum ofresistance and strain upon the glass. At the bottom of the swingingpanel the opening of the door provides plenty of clearance for theinward movement of the rear corner in relation to adjoining members,while the relative movement of the adjoining parts coupled with theirresiliency permits the more restricted outward movement of the lowerfront corner.

In order to have a weather-tight joint at the front of panel 1, it isnecessary to provide overlapping means of some sort, which preferablywill constitute part of the windshield assembly, and which may either bea fixed or movable glass panel, forming an auxiliary windshield, or thewindshield standard itself. Due to its more attractive appearance andgreater simplicity, I prefer the latter arrangement. The windshielditself may be either vertical or tilted, the latter position beingpreferred from the point of View of trimness and of greater visibilityafforded the driver. In order to give this portion of the body apleasing appearance I have rabbeted the door D1 to form an extension 102which is normally disposed behind the rear margin of the front bodypanel and which carries the channeled guide 10 and the front portion ofpanel 1, thereby permitting the visible front edge of the door and therear edge of windshield standard S to be alined. However, it isstructurally feasible to locate the outer front edge of the door ateither side of this position. A lower part of the windshield standard Spreferably comprises .the rear frame member for the front body panel andextending rearwardly from the windshield standard S as thus arranged aretwo arms 104 and 105. The latter is disposed at the top of the door andis preferably designed to resemble a continuation of the outer section84 of the door rail, the front of which is depressed to fit under thearm 105 and is reduced in width to provide a clearance for the frontcorner of the panel 1 similar to that provided by the groove 87 of therear door. The rear end of the arm 105 has a downwardly extending stud107 pivotally engaging a thimble formed in the depressed portion of therail section 84, while the front end of the arm is detachably secured tothe standard by. fastenings 106. The lower arm 104 is relatively shortand may be made integral with the lower part of the windshield standard;it being provided with an upwardl extending stud 109 at its rear endwhich engages a thimble in the lower wall of the door D1. The inclinedpivot line gg formed by members 107 and 109 will therefore fall to therear of the windshield standard S, permitting the forward portion of thepanel 1 to swing inwardly away from the standard when the door D1 isopened and at the same time leaving a normal clearance at the bottom ofthe doorway.

To form an abutment for the front margin of the panel in its variousraised positions, the inner wall 111 of the windshield standard S isprovided 7 with a cushion 112 of resilient rubber, which is designed togive slightly when the panel is moved longitudinally, or when the lowercorner thereof is moved outwardly due to the swinging of panel 1 aboutthe hinge 19. The lower margin of the member 112 is tapered to engagethe upper portion of the panel when the upward movement of the latter isbegun, while the inner side of the adjoining part of molding 5 is cutaway substantially in the manner shown in Figure 11, to assist such amovement and to enable the glass to bear directly against the cushion112.

The windshield standard itself has been designed so that it offers aminimum hinderance to the drivers vision; a windshield standard assemblyof this general type is disclosed and claimed in my copendingapplication, Serial No. 360,105, filed May 3, 1929. It is desirable tohave the wall 111 overlap panel 1 throughout the latters rearwardmovement and the limited extent of this movement therefore enables thestandard S to be correspondingly restricted in dimension. The surface ofthe outer wall 116 of the standard is substantially alined with thenormal line of sight from the drivers eyes toward the rear edge of wall111; the bulk of the metal being located outwardly from the front partof the latter wall (Figure 6). The edge of the windshield glass 118 isheld in a groove 113 spaced outwardly from the front margin of wall 111so that the front and rear edges of this wall will substantially definethe outer margins of the standard S as viewed by the driver. At thelevel of the drivers normal line of vision, the cross-section of thestandard is substantially triangular in shape withthe short side towardthe front, the wall 116 forming the longest side, and the wall 111forming the third side. Especially adjoining its basethe outer frontcorner of the standard may be flattened or rounded to improve itsappearance, if desired. Although the glass 118 is shown as fixed in thegroove 113, its may readily be made slidable therein or swingableforward without altering the relative position of the parts orinterfering with the drivers vision.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention a rear panel 3 is designedto fill the space between the curtain G and the panel 2. As may be seenin Figure 14, a pocket 12 is formed in the rear portion of the body sidewith a diagonal rear wall 139 parallel to the front edge of the curtainG and adapted to support the lower margin of panel 3 in its inoperativeposition. At the upper part of the wall 139 is an extension 135 ofpocket 120, while the space between the curtain G and its lining forms acontinuation of the pocket. The panel 3 has its upper margin secured ina molding 123 which is provided with shoulders 124 on its lower side. Arearward extension of this molding is formed into a bearing 125pivotally engaging a stud 126, which is secured to the main bow 129 orother portion of the top framework. When the panel 3 is lowered, thismolding forms a finish strip for the edge of the curtain G, with anintermediate handle 12'] extending inwardly adjoining the curtain edgewhich comprises means whereby the panel may be slid in a circular pathwith the molding 123 turning about stud 126. The molding is held in itsraised position adjacent the lower edge of the top portion T1 by channel137, which preferably is formed of resilient metal covered with rubber,as may be seen in Figure 27 The lower portions of the walls of themember 137 are adapted to be spread apart in a cam-like manner by thecurved surface of the upwardly moving molding 123 but to spring inwardlyto grip its shoulders 124 when it is entirely lodged in the channel. Thechanneled member 137 is secured to the frame of the top in any suitablemanner as by brackets 128 and has its outer wall provided with a gutter133 which forms a continuation of the gutter portions '79. The innerchannel wall is broken away at 141 to provide access to the raisedhandle 127, Fig. 16.

The lower-end rear margins of panel 3 are preferably bound in a lightchanneled strip 147 similar to and alined with the members 7, said triphaving its forward lower surface provided with a bevel slanting upwardand outward, so that, if the panel 2 is being lifted when the panel 3 isin operative position, the former will beguided past the latter. Such anoperation may easily take place due to the flexibilty of the panels. Toassist relative movements of this character, the adjoining portions ofthe inner and outer surfaces of moldings and 123 respectively are cutaway and provided with rubber cushions protruding both slightly sidewiseand endwise. Figure 11 shows such an arrangement at the end of molding5. The sidewise bulge on the rubber cushions prevents the panels fromrubbing against each other when being moved and keeps them from rattlingwhen the panel 2 is partially raised in relation to the panel 3. Theendwise rubber extensionsform abutments for the upper moldings when bothpanels are raised, while the strips '7 and 147 have correspondingextensions for the lower portions of the panels. The adjoining edges ofthe panels 2 and 3 are beveled in the manner previously described withreference to panels 1 and 2.

To permit theswinging ofthe panel 3, there is an opening in the upperpart of the front wall of the pocket 120 and its inner wall is extendedat 150, the door D2 being cut away to fit this extension. Upon thisoverhanging portion of the pocket wall is a rubber cushion 151 designedto press the lower corner of the panel 3 outwardly to prevent rattling,but adapted to be compressed when the relative positions of the panels 2and 3 require such a condition. V

Figure 21 shows how the panels 1 and 2 may serve as wind breaks, whenthe folding top T is lowered, it being understood that the panels may beraised to within approximately two inches of their maximum height whenfunctioning in this manner. By the pivotal movement of the rear bow 129the panel 3 may be swung to approximately the position illustrated, withits rear end supported in the extension of pocket 120, its lower partconcealed in the pocket and its upper edge disposed at an inclination asshown. I have now shown how a vehicle body may be made to retain thefolding top, advantageous weight distribution, and relative flexibilityof an open body, but may, however, be readily convertible from an opento a closed body or provide any degree of ventilation between theseextremes, and may have a clear vision space along its entire side,whether the same is open or closed, so that it always resembles an openbody in appearance and degree of visibility afforded.

' It is evident that the foregoing principles of construction may bewidely varied to suit different conditions and individual body styles,and that the foregoing description is only illustrative.

It is to be further understood that the subsequent description ofmodifications of my invention should in no sense be considered asexhaustive, but merely as indicating further possible phases of theinvention.

In Figure 15 is shown a modified manner of supporting a rear panel 163which is shaped similarly to the panel 3, but has its base supported bya bracket 164 which is pivotally mounted in the body wall as indicatedat 165. Panel 163 is adapted to swing around pivot 165 as a centre,following apath the curvature of which is oppositely disposed to that ofthe panel 3, and in its inoperative position being located with itsforward edge in juxtaposed relation with the diagonal edge of thecurtain G. Obviously with this arrangement the panel would remain in itsinoperative position when the top was lowered. Any suitable lockingmeans may be provided either for the bracket 164 or for the panel inorder to hold the latter'in its raised position.

Figure 18 shows a modified, arrangement for a rear panel 203. Such adesign is advantageous when the conventional gypsy curtain is not used,and when there is either room'for a deep pocket in the body panel or itis not desired to entirely lower the window. The window 203 may beof anyshape and is designed to be lifted vertically out of its pocket 220 andthen be moved slightly forward. Secured to the upper margin of member203 is a molding 219 similar in form to the molding 123 and likewiseprovided with a lifting handle 202 at its mid-point. The molding 219 isengaged by a channel 13''! similar to that of Figure 27, the mid-sectionof the channel being broken away to accommodate the handle. Obviouslysuch an arrangement may be useful in bodies having one door at theirside. A lifting mechanism similar to that provided for panels 1 and 2may be used for the panel 203 instead of the handle 202.

Figure 19 shows another method of mounting the rear paneling, the panels223 and 224 being slidable along a curved path similar to that of Figure15. To this end the tracks 230 and 231 which may comprise paralleljuxtaposedchannels support the upper and lower margins of the twopanels. In this case the panels 223 and 224 cam-like lower surface.

are concealed side by side behind the narrow gypsy curtain G2, butobviously in certain cases one panel might be installed in a similarmanner. Both panels may be moved to their overlapping operativeposition, as shown, or one panel may be left in its concealed positionallowing a degree of ventilation; If there is no lining for the curtainG2, both panels can be reached directly, otherwise pull cords can besecured to their upper parts in any well known manner. Such an assemblyis desirable with a body design having a narrow rear curtain or ashallow space for a pocket in the rear body panel.

Another modification of my invention is illustrated in Figure 22 whichrepresents a body having two windows along its sides. The front marginof the front panel 401 is concealed behind the windshield standard S,while the rear margin of the rear panel is also concealed at all timesbehind the side curtain C of the top T. It is therefore feasible toframe the Windows 401 and 402 upon three sidealeaving only theiradjoining margins unbound. Thus the closure panels are reinforced at alltimes upon three sides, while the appearance of an unbroken transparentwall is retained. Obviously such an arrangement is of especial advantageonly in a body of this type, since it can not. be applied to athree-paneled body without permitting a portion of the framing to bevisible. Of course such an arrangement, orthe partial framing to anydegree, or the complete framing of any or all panels is within thepurview of my invention.

Obviously many variations of" the previously described method ofdisengaging the panels from the top may be employed. For example manyother forms'of window lifters may bearranged to give a longitudinalmovement to the panels or the lifters may be connected with the doorlatch to lower the window when the latch mechanism is actuated. InFigure 23, I am showing an optional arrangement for disengaging a window409 which is supported on a lifting mechanism of the type previouslydescribed, the stud 21 corresponding to the similarly designated memberof Figure 2. The panel assembly in this example is substantially similarto that previously described, one difference being that the upper marginof the panel is unframed and another being that the lower channeledholder is somewhat deeper and need not rise above the door top as doesmember '7. Near the ends of this holder 40"! are the brackets 421 and422 supported upon the extremities'oi a leaf spring 425, the mid-portionof which is held in the hanger 426 depending from the stud 21 of thelifting mechanism. Secured just below the middle of the door rail is apivot 432 supporting an upwardly extending handle 431 which has anintegral extension 441 curved downwardly and rearwardly from the pivotand provided with a Pivotally connected to the rear of extension 441 isa rod 433 which is in turn operatively connected to the door latchmechanism. Projecting from the holder 407 is a stud 430 which is locatedadjacent the extension 441 when the panel is raised. By the rearwardmovement of the handle 431 thearm 441 is engaged against the stud 430thereby depressing the spring 425 and lowering the upper margin of thepanel out of an appropriate channel in the top, at the same time thedoor latch is actuated so that the door may be opened. Turning of theouter door handle willsimilarly operate the mechanism through rod 433.Obviously with this arrangement the channel in the top can have uniformWalls and the reinforcing effect of an upper marginal molding is not soessential. Since, upon the release of the handle 431, the spring wouldtend to force the panel upwardly, the lower surfaces of such a channeledmember would preferably be sheathed with metal bearing strips havingsubstantially horizontal lower surfaces, which would hold the glassdepressed after its top edge was moved at a slight angle to the grooveof the channel member.

Certain features and arrangements disclosed or suggested herein, and/ orimprovements thereor are illustrated and claimed in my copendingapplications Serial No. 183,199, filed April 12, 1927; Serial No.360,105, filed May 3, 1929; and Serial No. 371,162, filed June 15, 1929.

I claim:

1. A vehicle body provided with a top, said top being supported byuprights near its front and having extensions alined with the sides ofthe body near its rear end, and a continuous opening extending betweeneach of said upright and the corresponding extensions, closure panelsmovable into said opening to form a continuous transparent wall therein.

2. A closure wall comprising a series of glass panels, each one of whichhas at least one of its vertical edges unframed and in juxtaposedrelation with a similar edge of an adjoining panel.

3. A closure wall for vehicle bodies, said wall comprising a series ofpanels having transparent adjoining edges which are oppositely beveledand in juxtaposed relation.

4. A closure panel for a vehicle body, said panel being formed oftransparent material and having a beveled edge which comprises a surfaceadjoining one face of the panel and forming a certain angle therewith,and another surface adjoining the opposite face of the panel and forminga different angle therewith.

5. A closure wall for a vehicle body comprising a plurality oftransparent plates with transparent edges slightly spaced from eachother, cushioned extensions adjoining the edges of the plates serving tomaintain their spaced relation.

6. A closure panel supported in a pocket in a vehicle body, said panelbeing movable upward and endwise, the end wall of thepocket having anopening to permit such a movement.

'7. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a plurality of alignedsections therein each providing a pocket, a single window received inits lowered position in each or" said pockets, one of said sectionsbeing a door, the window carried by the door having a substantiallyfixed width of the order of the door width, a lifter for moving eachwindow out of its pocket along a substantially vertical path to a fullyraised position and for supporting each window in a plurality ofintermediate positions, and guide means cooperating with the lifters andwindows and causing the latter in all of their positions to have theiradjoining edges both extending in the same general direction as well ascausing their edges to be in direct juxtaposition to form a continuousclosure wall when the windows are fully raised, said pockets having openupper ends, the fully raised windows having lower portions coincidingwith the upper ends of the pockets in their lateral positioning inrelation to the body wall.

3. A pair of closure panels separated from each other in inoperativeposition by structural parts of vehicle body, each panel first beingmovable from inoperative position for a distance of the order of theheight of the panel in a path parallel to that of the other panel andthen for a relatively short distance in a path having a componentdirected toward the other panel, until the panels are brought into aposition wherein they are in edge to edge juxtaposition to form apractically continuous closure wall.

9. The combination of a window and a window lifting mechanism, saidmechanism including an upper support and a flexible element having aportion extending over said support and a portion depending therefrom,said element being movable whereby various parts thereof are movablefrom a vertically depending position to a position upon said support,pivot means securing the window to a point on the flexible element, saidwindow being vertically movable when said point is on the depending partof the element and being longitudinally movable when said point is onthe portion of the element above the support.

10. A window actuated by a lifting mechanism including a chain and asprocket, a pivot interposed between said Window and a portion of thechain, said window being movable with the chain portion in a verticaland then in a longitudinal path, the window being held by guideways frommoving about the pivot during its vertical path and being moved awayfrom said guideways during its longitudinal path and thereupon engagedwith other guiding means similarly holding it from pivoting about thechain portion.

11. A door having a glass guiding channel adj acent its end wall, aportion of the bight section of the channel being recessed, and alatch-handle shaft extending through said recess.

12. A hinged vehicle door, a closure panel mounted upon the door, saidpanel being swingable in relation to the vehicle doorabout an axisinclined in relation to the lower edge of the panel, so that oppositeends of the lower margin of the panel are movable in substantiallyopposite directions in relation to the adjoining part of the vehicledoor.

13. A vehicle door, a closure panel mounted on the door, said panelbeing pivotally mounted on said door to swing about an axis inclined inrelation to the upper edge of the door and spaced farther from one endof this edge than the other end thereof so that one upper corner may beswung downward substantially the same distance as the other upper cornerwhile moving inwardly a greater distance.

14. A swinging vehicle door, a panel pivotally mounted thereon, a fixedchannel normally adapted to engage the upper end of said panel, saidpanel being automatically pivotable in relation to said door upon theswinging open thereof in order to cause the removal of the upper portionof the panel from the fixed channel.

15. A vehicle body having a swinging door in its side wall and a topwith an overhanging portion, a panel pivotally mounted upon the door, amoulding with a rounded outer surface at the upper edge of said panel, achannel upon the overhanging part of the top, said channel being adaptedto engage said moulding when the panel is raised, said moulding beingreleasable from said channel upon the swinging open of the door, themoulding being adapted to turn and slide in said channel during saidmovement.

16. In a vehicle provided with a side wall, panels thereabove, and anoverhanging top, a member located adjacent the side of the top,.saidmember comprising a downwardly disposed channel adapted to engage thetop of one of the panels, and an outwardly and upwardly curvedlongitudinal rib upon said channel located along the top and adapted tocomprise a gutter for the same.

17. In a vehicle provided with a side Wall, panels thereabove, and anoverhanging top, a member located adjacent the side of the top and beingformed of yieldable material, said member comprising a downwardlydisposed channel adapted to engage the top of one of the panels, and anoutwardly and upwardly curved longitudinal rib upon said channel locatedalong the top and adapted to comprise a gutter for the same.

18. In a vehicle body provided with a side wall having a swinging doortherein, a panel mounted upon the door and pivotally connected thereto,a top having a portion overhanging the side wall, a downwardly disposedchannel upon the overhanging portion of the top, said channel having aninner wall at least a part of which is flexible, the upper margin of thepanel being normally engageable in said channel and being swingable pastthe flexible wall portion upon the opening of the vehicle door wherebythe panel may be pivoted in relation to the door so that its uppermargin leaves the channel.

19. The subject matter of claim 13 further characterized by the factthat the flexible portion of the inner wall of the channel is toward thehinged end of the door, while the portion above the other end of thedoor is comparatively rigid, whereby upon pivotal movement of the panelits upper margin is adapted to swing past the first named portion of thewall and slidably to engage the lastnamed portion thereof.

20. A vehicle body comprising a side wall with a hinged door therein andbeing provided with a top, a member extending between the body and topand adjoining the hinged end of the door,

and a panel slidably mounted in the door and adapted to be movedupwardly and endwise in relation to the door, said member overlappingsaid panel during its upward and endwise movement.

21. A vehicle body provided with a swinging door, a single closure panelslidably mounted on the door for substantially vertical movement inrelation thereto, said door filling an opening of certain width in theside of the vehicle body, said closure panel having a greater width thansaid openin 22. A door having its outer wall terminate substantially inalinement with a body upright, an extension of said door lying inwardfrom and adjacent to the upright and a closure panel slidably mounted inthe door and having one end carried by the extension of the door, saidpanel being movable toa raised position above the door, said extensionand the end of the raised panel being swingable inwardly away from saidupright upon the opening of the door.

23. In a vehicle body, a. swinging door, a windshield standard having arearward inclination and having its lower end adjacent one end of theswinging door, pivot means engaging the upper margin of the vehicle doorat a distance from the end adjoining the windshield standard, otherpivot means engaging a lower portion of the door, said pivot meanstogether defining an upwardly and rearwardly inclined axis for theswinging door, a closure panel mounted upon the door and having an edgeoverlapped by the windshield standard the axis of the door being solocated that when the door is swung open its front end swings inwardlyand the edge of the panel is swung away from the adjoining portion ofthe windshield standard.

24. A closure panel for the rear portion of the side of a vehicle body,said panel being pivotally connected to the framework of a folding top,and movable from an inoperative concealed position behind the side ofthe body and an extension of the raised topto a position between theoverhanging portion of the top and the body, and being further movableupon the folding of the top to a position wherein a portion thereof isexposed and a portion. is concealed behind the side of the vehicle body.

25. A closure panel in a vehicle bodysupported'at its upper edge, thelower edge of the said panel being free to flex slightly, cushion meansabutting a portion of its lower margin and adapted to be compressed whenthe relative movement of parts flexes the adjoining portion of the paneltoward said cushion.

26. A vehicle body having a relatively long uninterrupted windowopening, spaced pockets in the vehicle body below the window opening, apair of window lights having their adjacent edges unframed and beingslidable from an inoperative position within the pockets to an operativeposition. in the window openings, and means controlling the movement ofone of the lights from the inoperative position to the operativeposition, whereby the adjacent uhframededges of the lights are broughtinto abutting relation to form a continuous window filling the windowopening.

2'7. A vehicle body having a relatively long uninterrupted windowopening, pockets in the vehicle body below the window opening, a pair ofwindow lights having their adjacent edges unframed and each beingindependently slidable from an inoperative position within the pocketsto an operative position'in the window opening, and means controllingthe movement of the lights from the inoperative position to theoperative position, whereby the adjacent unframed edges of the lightsare brought into juxtaposed relation to form a continuous window fillingthe window opening.

28. A vehicle body comprising a door section and an aligned body wallsection, each of said sections providing pockets, a transparent closurepanel slidable out of each of said pockets to a position thereabovewhere it is juxtaposed to the other panel to form a closure wall, thepanel carriedby the door having a width of the order of that of thedoor, the adjoining edges of the panels being unframed for substantiallytheir entire vertical extents, whereby the panels cooperate in forming acontinuous transparent closure wall over the body sections, when theyare raised.

29. A vehicle body comprising a door section and an aligned body wallsection, each of said sections providing pockets, a transparent closurepanel slidable out of each of said pockets to a position thereabovewhere it is juxtaposed to the other panel to form a closure wall, thepanel carried by the door having a width of the order of that of thedoor, and means for supporting the last-named panel in a plurality ofpartially raised positions, the adjoining edges of the panels beingunframed for substantially their entire vertical extents, whereby thepanels cooperate in forming a continuous transparent closure wall overthe body sections, when they are raised.

30. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a plurality of alignedsections therein each providing a pocket, 2. single window received inits lowered position in each of said pockets, one of said sections beinga door, the window carried by the door having a width substantially ofthe order of the door width, a lifter for moving that Window out of thedoor pocket to a raised position and for supporting the window in thatposition as Well as in a plurality of intermediate positions, and guidemeans cooperating with the lifter and windows and causing the latter intheir fully raised positions to have their edges in direct juxtapositionto form a continuous closure closure wall.

31. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a plurality of alignedsections therein eachproviding a pocket, a single Window received in itslowered position in each of said pockets, one of said sections being adoor, the window carried by the door having a Width substantially of theorder of the door width, a lifter for moving each window out of itspocket along a substantially vertical path to a fully raised positionand for supporting each Window in a plurality of intermediate positions,and guide means cooperating with the lifters and windows and causing thelatter in their fully raised positions to have their edges in directjuxtaposition to form a continuous wall.

32. In a vehicle, a curved body wall, a closure wall 'thereaboveconforming in, general to the curvature of the body wall, a series ofclosure panels forming the closure wall, said panels having transparentbeveled edges in overlapping juxtaposition to each other, at least oneof said panels being curved so that the plane of its surface merges intothat of an adjoining panel, whereby the closure wall may be free fromnoticeable angular projections of corners.

33. In a vehicle, a body Wall, a closure wall thereabove, said wallbeing formed by a series of closure panels, said panels having unframededges in overlapping juxtaposition, and cushioning projections holdingthese edges closely spaced and permitting relative movementlongitudinally of marginal portions of the overlapped panels due to bodydistortion.

34. In a vehicle, a curved body wall including a door, a closure wallthereabove conforming in general to the curvature of the body wall, aseries of closure panels forming the closure wall, said panels havingtransparent beveled edges in overlapping juxtaposition to each other,one of said panels being mounted upon the door and having a width of theorder of the door width, said panel being curved, whereby the closurewall may be free from noticeable angular projections or corners.

35. In a vehicle, a closure panel comprising a transparent plate, aframe engaging the lower edge of the panel and supporting the same, oneof the vertical edges of the panel being unframed and out of directsupporting engagement with a part of the body, the portion of said paneladjoining said unframed edge being curved toprovide a verticalreinforcement for the unsupported edge.

36. In a vehicle body, a closure panel comp-rising a transparent plate,a frame engaging the lower edge of the panel and supporting the same, areinforcement extending along the upper edge of the panel, one of thevertical edges of the panel being unframed and out of direct supportingengagement with a part of the body, the portion of said panel adjoiningsaid edge being curved to provide a vertical reinforcement for theunsupported edge, whereby the vertical stifiness of the panel may morenearly approach the longitudinal stiffness afforded by the membersextending along its upper and lower edges.

37. In a vehicle body, a closure panel comprising a transparent plate,reinforcements extending along its upper and lower edges, one of itsvertical edges being unbound, and cushioning elements carried by thecorresponding ends of the reinforcements to hold the unbound edge inspaced relation to the edge of an adjoining panel.

38. In a vehicle body, a closure panel comprising a transparent plate,reinforcements extend- 1 along its upper and lower edges, one of itsvertical edges being unbound and beveled for juxtaposition to acorresponding portion of an adjoining panel, and cushioning elementscarried by the corresponding ends of the reinforcements to hold theunbound edge in spaced relation. to the edge of the adjoining panel, theends of said elements being shaped to correspond to the bevel of thepanel edge, but projecting slightly beyond the same.

39. In a vehicle, a body wall, a closure wall thereabove, said wallbeing formed by a series of closure panels, said panels having unframedbeveled edges in overlapping juxtaposition, and cushioning projectionsholding these edges closely spaced and having surfaces substantiallyparalleling the bevels of panels, thus permitting relative movementlongitudinally of marginal portions of the overlapped panels due to bodydistortion.

40. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a plurality of alignedsections therein, each comprising a pocket to receive a panel in itslowered position, one of said wall sections being a door, a panelcarried thereby having a width substantially equal to that of the door,a lifter for adjustably positioning said panel in its raised and loweredpositions and a plurality of intermediate positions, a lifter similarlyarranged to position an adjoining panel, the adjoining edges of each ofthese panels being unframed, and means cooperating With the lifters inpositioning these edges of the panels in overlapping juxtaposition whenthey are raised.

41. In a vehicle body, a body wall section providing a pocket, a closurepanel, means for guiding and positioning the panel in a raised positionabove the pocket, said panel having edges in juxtaposed parallelism toends of the pocket during the major portion of its path as it is beingguided by said means from its lowered to its raised position, said meansbeing arranged to direct the panel endwise at the upper end of its path,whereby the panel may be disposed over one end of the p ck 42. In avehicle body, a body wall comprising a pair of aligned pocket sectionshaving portions separated by structural parts of the body,-a pair ofpanels, each of said panels being movable from inoperative position in apocket to a raised position, means for guiding said panels during saidmovement, each panel having a width substantially equal to that of itspocket section and being vertically movable during the major portionof'its path, the path of one of said panels having a longitudinallydirected component whereby it is brought into juxtaposed relation to theother panel, whereby they form a continuous closure wall.

' 43. In a vehicle, a swinging door, a closure panel, pivot meansconnecting the lower portion of the panel to the upper portion of thedoor, the

axis of said means being inclined upwardly. toward the hinged end of thedoor.

44. In a vehicle, a swinging door, a closure panel, pivot meansconnecting the lower portion of the panel to the upper portion of thedoor, a top, an inverted channel portion carried by the top above theouter end of the door and arranged to oppose lateral movement of thepanel edge when the door is closed, the opening of the door permittingthe panel to pivot so that it moves out of the channel portion.

45. In a vehicle, atop, a gypsy curtain having a slanting front edge,and a closure panel slidable from a concealed position wherein one ofits edges is substantially in parallel juxtaposition to the. slantingcurtain edge to an operative position in front of said curtain.

46. In a vehicle, a top, a gypsy curtain having a slanting front edge,and a closure panel slidable from a concealed position wherein one ofits edges is substantially in parallel juxtaposition to the slantingcurtain edge to an operative position in front of said curtain, saidpanel being substantially trapezoidal and being slidable along a curvedpath.

47. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein,panels movable from a lowered position in the pockets to a raisedposition thereabove, said pockets having adjoining end portions brokenaway, one of said panels when raised being in engagement with a marginalportion of the other panel when partially raised to guide the latter toits fully raised position where the panels are in juxtaposition to forma closure wall. a

48. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein,panels movable from a lowered position in the pockets to a raisedposition thereabove, said pockets'having adjoining end portions brokenaway, one of said panels when raised being in engagement with a marginalportion of the other panel when partially raised to guide the latter toits fully raised position where the panels are in juxtaposition to forma closure wall, and resilient means holding the panels thus inengagement.

49. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein,end portions of the pockets being broken away, panels movable from alowered position in said pockets to a raised position thereabove, one ofsaid panels being movablefupwardly and longitudinally through one ofsaid broken-away ends to engage the other panel and fiorm a closure.wall.

50. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein,end portions of the pockets being broken away, panels movable from alowered position in said pockets to a raised position thereabove, one ofsaid panels being movable upwardly and longitudinally through saidbroken-away ends to engage the other paneland form a closure wall, saidpanel, when thus raised, engaging and acting as a guide for the otherpanel as it is passing to its fully raised position.

51. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein,end portions of the pockets being broken away, panels movable from alowered position in said'pockets to a raised position thereabove, one ofsaid panels being movable upwardly and longitudinally through one ofsaid broken-away ends to engage the other panel and form a closure wall,a door post between said pockets, the top of said post being below theupper parts of said doors, whereby the panel may move through thebroken-away end of the pocket and above the post into juxtaposition withthe closure wall extending from the region of an upright to thecorresponding top extension, and cushioning means holding the edges ofthe glass body portions out. of direct contact.v

53. A vehiclebody including a top and, body Wall below the top, uprightsconnected to, the

front end of the top, extensions of the top being substantially alignedwith the rear of, the body- Wall and extending downwardly to the-same, aplurality of closure panels supported by the body Wall and extendingbetween the same and the top, said panels having glass body portions,said closure panels having juxtaposed transparent edges in overlappingrelation to each other, and cooperating to form a continuous transparentclosure wall extending from the region of an upright to thecorresponding top extension, and

cushioning means holding the edges of the glass body portions out ofdirect contact, said cushioning means being disposed adjoining the upperand lower extremities of the juxtaposed edges of the panels, theoverlapping glass margins being disposed in closely spaced relationtherebetweem 54. A vehicle body including a top and body wall below thetop, uprights, connected to the frontend of the top, extensions of thetop being substantially aligned with the rear of the body wallandextending downwardly to the same, and a plurality of closure 'panelssupported by the body wall and extending between the same and the top,said panels having body portions formed of substantially rigid andself-maintaining material, said closure panels having juxtaposedtransparent edges in overlapping relation to each other, and cooperatingto form a continuous transparent closure wall extending from the regionof an upright to the corresponding top extension.

55. A vehicle body provided with a top and having a swinging door in itsside, a panel carried by the door, channel means upon the top havingawall in engagement with the upper edge of the panel and holding itagainst outward movement, means associated with the doorper- -mittingthe movement of the panel relative ,movement, means associated with thedoor permitting the movement of the panel relative thereto, said meansbeing arranged to be automatically operable upon the swinging open ofthe door to move the panel upper edge downwardly out of its normalrelation to the channel wall, whereby the panel is released from thechannel, said means being automatically operable upon closing of thedoor to reinsert the panel edge into the channel means.

57. In a vehicle body, a body wall providing a pair of pockets, aclosure panel slidable out of an inoperative position in one of thepockets to a raised position thereabove, a cushioning element having acoefllcient of friction higher than that of glass upon the edge ofsaidpanel, a second closure panel slidable out of inoperative positionin the other of said pockets to a raised position thereabove, saidsecond panel having a glass edge portion, means for supporting thepanels and holding them in edge to edge juxtaposition when both areraised, said cushioning element upon the first panel slidably engagingthe glass edge of the other panel when one of said panels is raised andthe other is being raised, the low coeflicientof friction of the glassedge preventing the cushioning element from affording undesirableresistance to this movement.

58. A vehicle body comprising a body wall providing a pair of pockets, apair of closure panels, each of said panels being movable out of one ofsaid pockets to a raised position above the body wall, means for liftingand guiding the panels, a cushioning element projecting from one of thepanels, the panels when raised being disposed in edge to edgejuxtaposition with the cushioning element engaging an edge portion ofthe other panel and holding adjoining panel surfacesclosely spaced fromeach other, the panels being slidable in a generally vertical directionduring the major portion of their movement out of the pockets, and oneof the panels being movable in a substantially endwise direction at theupper end of its path to bring the cushioning element into engagementwith the panel edge portion without rubbing engagement therebetween.-

59. A vehicle body comprising a body wall providing a pair of pockets, apair of closure panels, each of said panels being movable out of one ofsaid pockets to a raised position above the body wall, means for liftingand guiding the panels, cushioning elements carried by adjoining edgeportions of said panels, the panels when raised being disposed in edgeto edge juxtaposition with the cushioning elements in mutual engagementand holding adjoining panel. surfaces closely spacedfrom each other, thepanels being slidable in a. generally vertical direction during themajor portion of their movement out of the pockets, and one of thepanels being movable in a substantially endwise direction at the upperend of its path to bring the cushioning elements into mutual engagementwithout necessitating their engagement with other parts of the adjoiningpanels.

60. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a plurality of alignedsections therein each-providing a pocket, a single window received inits lowered position by each of said pockets, one of said sections beinga door, the window carried by the door having a substantially fixedwidth of the order of the door width, a lifter for moving that windowout of the door pocket to a raised position and for supporting thewindow in that position as well as in a plurality of intermediatepositions, and guide means cooperating with the lifter and windows andcausing the latter in their fully raised positions to have their edgesin direct juxtaposition to form a. continuous closure wall, a windowadjoining the door being directed by the guide means in a curved pathbetween its lowered position and its raised position in juxtaposition tothe panel carried by the door 61. A vehicle body comprising a body wall,a plurality of aligned sections therein each pro-' viding a pocket, asingle window received in its lowered position by each of said pockets,one of said sections being a door, the window carried by the door havinga substantially fixed width of the order of the door width, a lifter formoving that window out of the door pocket to a raised position and forsupporting the window in that position as well as in a plurality ofintermediate positions, and guide means cooperating with the lifter andwindows and causing the latter in their fully raised positions to havetheir edges in direct juxtaposition to form a continuous closure wall,the pockets providing slots in the top of the body wall, said slots andthe upper parts of the pockets being in communication with each other topermit the window edges to be in juxtaposition. i

62. A vehicle body including a top and body wall below the top, saidbody wall including a swinging door and an adjoining section, uprightsconnected to the front end of the top, extensions of the top beingsubstantially aligned with the rear of the body wall and extendingdownwardly to the same, and a plurality of closure panels supported bythe body wall and extending between the same and the top, one of saidpanels being carried by the door, one of said panels being carried bysaid adjoining section/said closure panels having body portions formedof substantially rigid and self-maintaining transparent material andhaving juxtaposed transparent edges in overlapping relation to eachother, the closure panels thus cooperating to form a continuoustransparent closure wall extending from the region of an upright to theregion of a correspond ing top extension.

63. A vehicle body including a top and body wall below the top, saidbody wall including a swinging door and an adjoining section, uprightsconnected to the front end of the top,.extensions of the top beingsubstantially aligned with the rear of the body wall and extendingdownwardly to the same, a plurality of closure panels supported by thebody wall and extending between the same and the top, one of said panelsbeing carried by the door, one of said panels being carried by saidsection, the two last-named panels having body portions formed of glass,cushioning means on the edge of one of these panels engag ing the otherpanel and preventing their glass body portions from contacting, saidclosure panels having juxtaposed transparent edges in overlappingrelation to each other, and cooperating to form a continuous transparentclosure. wall extending from the region of an upright to the region of acorresponding top extension.

64. A vehicle body comprising a curved body wall, a plurality ofadjoining sections therein each providing a pocket, a single window received in its lowered position in each of said pockets, one of saidsections being a door, the window carried by the door having a widthsubstantially of the order of the door width, a lifter for moving thatwindow out of the door pocket to a raised position and for supporting itin that position as well as a plurality of intermediate positions, andguide means cooperating with the litter and windows and causing thelatter in their fully raised positions to have their edges'in directjuxtaposition to form a continuous closure wall,

one of the windows being curved and having its marginal portionextending in practically the same direction as the marginal portion ofthe adioining window, thereby avoiding a noticeable angular projectionat the edges of the windows.

65. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket with an open upper end, a single windowreceived in its lowered position by each of said pockets, one of saidsections being a door, the window carried by the door having a widthsubstantially of the order of the door width, a lifter for moving thatwindow out of the door pocket to a raised position and for supportingthe window in that position as well as in-a plurality of intermediatepositions, and guide means cooperating with the lifter and windows andcausing the latter in their fully raised positions to have marginalportions in direct contact, each of said windows having a transparentbody portion, the major portions of the adjoining edges of the windowsbeing fixed in relation to their respective body portions throughout thepaths of the windows, said windows when fully raised having lowerportions positioned laterally of the body wall to coincide with the openends of their respective pockets, whereby a continuous closure wall maybe provided by a pair of windows, one of whic'nis carried by each ofsaid sections, without necessity of intervening parts, relativelymovable window sections or the like.

66.-A vehicle body comprising a body wall,-a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket with an open upper end, a single windowreceived in its lowered position by each of said pockets, one of saidsections being a door, the window carried by the door having a widthsubstantially of the order'of' the door width, a lifter for moving thatwindow outof the door pocket to a raised position and for supporting thewindow in that position as wellas in a plurality of intermediatepositions, and guide means cooperating with the lifter and windows andcausing the latter in their raised positions to have marginal portionsin direct contact, each of said windows having a transparent bodyportion, frame elements engaging the lower'parts of the bodyportions,the contacting marginal portions being fixedly connected to said frameelements, said windows when fully raised having lower portionspositioned laterally of the body wall to coincide with the open ends oftheir respective pockets, whereby a continuous closure wall may beprovided by a pair of windows, one of which is carried by each of saidsections, without necessity of intervening parts, relatively movablewindow sections or the like.

6'7. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket with an' open upper end, a singlewindow received in its lowered position by each of said pockets, one .ofsaid sections being a door, the window carried by the door having awidth substantially of the order of thedoor width, a lifter for movingthat window cut of the door pocket to a raised position and'forsupporting the window in that position as well as in a plurality ofintermediate positions, and guide means cooperating with the lifter andwindows and causing the latter in their raised positions to havemarginal portions in direct contact; each of said windows having atransparent body portion, frame elements engaging parts of the bodyportions, the contacting marginal portions being fixedly connected tosaid frame elements, at least one of said marginal portions including adistortable cushioning element that is compressed when-it contacts withthe adjoining window, said windows when fully raised having lowerportions positioned laterally of the body wall to coincide with the openends of theirrespective pockets, whereby a continuous closure wall 'maybe provided by a pair'of windows, one of which is carried by each ofsaid sections, without necessity of. intervening parts, relativelymovable window sections or the like. i

68. A-vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket with an open upper end, a single windowreceived in its lowered position by each of said pockets, one of saidsections being a door, the

window carried by the door having a width substantially of the order ofthe door width, a lifter for moving that window. out of the doortpocketto a raised position and for supporting thewindow in that positionas well as in a pluralityfof intermediate positions, and guide meanscooperating with the lifter and windows and causing the latter in theirfully raised positions to have marginal portions in direct c'ontact,each. of said windows having a transparent body portion, the majorportions of the adjoining edges of the, windows being fixed inrelation-to their'respective body portions throughout the" paths of thewindows, said windows when fully raised having lower portions positionedlaterally of the body wall to coincide with the open ends of theirrespective pockets and having their adjoining edges both extending inthe same generaldirection throughout their paths, whereby alco-ntinuousclosure wall may be provided by a pair of windows, one. of which iscarried by each of said sections, without necessity of interveningparts, relatively movable window sections or the like. I

69. A vehicle body comprising a body wall with a front pocket and anadjoining pocket therein separated by a structural part of the wall, afront window panel movable out of the front pocket to a positionthereabove, a second window panel movable out of the adjoining pocket toa position thereab ove, an upwardly and rearward- 1y inclined postmember adjoining the front panel, guiding means for the panels directingthem in generally vertical paths, the path of the front panel having acomponent directed toward the second panel, so that the adjoining paneledges are directly juxtaposed and the raised panels cooperatein forminga closure wall bridging the space above said structural part, a part ofsaid post and the front margin of the front panel being in overlappingengagement during the movement of the front panel upwardly and towardthe second panel.

70. In a vehicle body, a body'wall including a door section and analigned section, said sections providing pockets separated by astructural part of the'body-wall, a pair of windows, lifting andguidingmeans for said windows, said means directing each window along acontinuous, upwardly directed path from a concealed position in one ofsaid pockets, wherein the endof the dows to bridge the space above saidstructural part of the body wall.

71. In-a vehicle body, a body wall including a door-section and analigned section, eachof said sections providing a pocket, a pair ofpanels, each of said panels being movable out of one of said sections toa raised position, lifting and guiding means for said panels, the panelseach having glass portions with their adjoining transparent edgesunframed, said edges when the panels are raised being in spaced,generally overlapping relation, whereby the panels cooperate inaffording a transparent closure panel assembly, uninterrupted by opaqueposts or the like.

'72. A vehicle body comprising a side wall with a door therein, a top,an upwardly and rearwardly inclined post member extending upwardly tothe top at the front of the door, and a panel slidably-mounted on thedoor and having a generally vertical path with a rearwardly directedcomponent to bring the panel when raised into edge to edge juxtapositionwith an adjoining panel, the post member having a part overlapping andconcealing the front edge of the panel during its upwardly andrearwardly directed path.

73. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket, a single window received in itslowered position in each of the pockets, one of said sections being adoor, the window carried by the door having a width substantially of theorder of the door width, a lifter for moving that window out of the doorpocket to a raised position and for supporting the window in thatposition as well as in a plurality of intermediate positions, and guidemeans cooperating with the lifter and windows, said windows beingdisposed in spaced relation when lowered and being guided alonggenerally upwardly directed paths from their lowered position, the pathof one of the windows having a component directed toward the path of theother window, so that the edges of the fully raised windows are indirect juxtaposition to permit the windows to form a continuous closurewall.

'74. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket, a single unitary window received inits lowered position in each of the pockets, one of said sections beinga door, the window carried by the door having a width substantially ofthe order of the door width, a lifter for moving that window out of thedoor pocket to a raised position and for supporting the window in thatposition as well as in a plurality of intermediate positions, saidwindows having edge portions fixedly connected to their transparent bodyportions and having practically the same respective areas in allpositions, said guide means directing the windows along generallyupwardly extending paths so that their adjoining edge portions followconverging paths whereby the windows when raised have their edges indirect juxtaposition to form a continuous closure wall without necessityfor intervening posts, relatively sliding panel or window sections orthe like.

75. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of aligned sectionstherein, each providing a pocket, a single window received in itslowered position in each of the pockets, one of said sections being adoor, the window carried by the door having a width substantially of theorder of the door width, a lifter for moving that window out of the doorpocket to a raised position and for supporting the window in thatposition as well as in a plurality of intermediate positions,

guidemeans cooperating with the lifter to direct that window along agenerally upwardly extending path having a rearwardly directed component;1

to bring the edge of the window carried by the door into directjuxtaposition with the edge of the adjoining window whenboth windows areraised, thus to afiord a continuous closure wall, and an upwardly andrearwardly extending post at the front of the door having a partoverlapping and concealing the margin of the window carried by the doorduring its upwardly and rearwardly directed path.

'76. A vehicle body comprising a side wall with a hinged door therein, atop above the side wall, a rearwardly inclined post extending upwardlybetween the wall and top, and a panel slidably mounted in the door andmovable upwardly and rearwardly, said post having a part in engagementwith said panel during its upward and rearward movement.

77. A vehicle body comprising a body wall, a pair of pockets therein, apair of panels, each independently movable out of one of the pockets toa raised position thereabove, said pockets having adjoining end portionsbroken away, guiding means directing each panel along its pathirrespective of the positioning of the other panel, each of said panelswhen fully raised being in engagement with a marginal portion of theother panel to assure proper relative positioning of the margins if thepanels and aid said means in guiding the other panel to fully raisedposition wherein the panels are in direct juxtaposition to form aclosure wall 78. In a vehicle body, a body wall including a door sectionand an aligned section, said sections providing pockets separated by astructural part of the body wall, a pair of unitary windows movable outof separated positions in the respective pockets, said windows havingglass body portions and edge portions fixedly related thereto, liftingand guiding means for said windows, said means directing said windows sothat their adjoining edge portions follow converging paths to bring theminto direct juxtaposition.

79. In a vehicle body, a body wall including a door section and analigned section, said sections providing pockets separated by astructural part of the body wall, a pair of unitary windows movable outof separated positions in the respective pockets, said windows havingglass body elements and adjoining edge portions fixedly connected totheir body portions, one of said elements being in the form of adistortable element, guiding and lifting means for said windows, saidmeans directing the windows so that their adjoining edge elements followconverging paths into direct contact wherein said distortable element isnormally distorted by contact with the adjoining window, said structuralpart including an end wall of a pocket with an opening therein, saidopening permitting the windows thus to move into contact and permittingthe window edges to slide in mutual engagement when both windows arenear the upper ends of their paths, whereby the windows form a closurewall without necessity for intervening posts, relatively sliding panelor window sections or the like.

80. In a vehicle body, a body wall section providing a pocket, a closurepanel, means for guiding and positioning the panel in a raised positionabove the pocket, said panel having edges in juxtaposed parallelism toends of its pocket as it is being guided by said means from its loweredto its raised position, said means being arranged to direct the panelendwise at the upper end of its path, and a single manually actuablecontrol handle operatively connected with said means and movable toeffect the upward and endwise movement of the panel, whereby, due tocon-- tinued actuation of the handle, the panel may be moved upwardlyand then endwise so that at the end of its path it is disposed over oneend of the pocket.

RAYMOND L. CARR.

